The UR-77 "Meterorit" ("Meteorite") is a Soviet Cold War-era mine clearing / battlefield breaching vehicle. Design work was begun in 1977 and, utilizing the existing chassis of the 2A1 "Gvozdika" Self-propelled Artillery (SPA) chassis, the UR-77 was born. After its time in the Soviet Army, existing vehicles were taken over by the newly-established Russian Army forces. Beyond this, the vehicle has also been in operation service with the forces of Azerbaijan, Syria, and Ukraine and utilized in the First (1994-1996) and Second (1999-2000) Chechen wars, the Syrian Civil War (2011-Present), and the ongoing War in Donbas (the Russian Invasion of Ukraine; 2014-Present).
Built atop the proven framework of the 2S1 SPA, the UR-77 shares the same track-and-wheel arrangement, powertrain, and powerpack. The running gear includes six small rubber-tired roadwheels to a hull side with the drive sprocket featured forward and the track idler aft. The track link components run the entire length of the vehicle, are not supported by track-return rollers, and are not protected by armor skirts. The vehicle weighs 34,200lb (the 2S1 weighs around 35,300lb) and sits atop a torsion bar suspension system. A diesel engine of 300 horsepower provides drive power to the tank treads.
As the main armament of the 2S1 is removed in the UR-77, the standard operating crew is reduced from four to two (now just driver and commander) with the driver retaining his positioned at front-left in the hull. The same shallow glacis plate over the bow found on the 2S1 series enhances ballistics protection and the lack of a true traversing turret means that the reimagined vehicle has an even lower battlefield profile. The powerpack is contained to the front-right in the hull, allowing the rear of the hull to seat the line-breaching equipment.
Over the rear of the hull is seated the launcher unit which raises up on a powered hinge for arced fire. Rocket-powered mine-clearing line charges are housed within a pair of launch tubes, firing out from the muzzle with the backblast being contained rear of the vehicle. Effective range of the weapon is approximately 300 feet. Upon hitting its mark, the line charge disrupts any armed, awaiting mine (even buried dangers), causing them to detonat. This destructive value is not lost on ground commanders either for the vehicle has been used to demolish standing structures that can house enemy elements.
Despite its Cold War roots, the UR-77 continues to serve an active role in the modern Russian Army.
September 2022 - The UR-77 has been featured by Russian ground forces in its invasion of neighboring Ukraine begun in February of 2022. At least one example was captured by the Ukrainians.
Power & Performance Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the UR-77 Mine Clearing Vehicle.
1 x YaMZ-238N diesel-fueled engine developing 300 horsepower driving conventional track-and-wheel arrangement. Installed Power
37 mph 60 kph Road Speed
311 miles 500 km Range
Structure The physical qualities of the UR-77 Mine Clearing Vehicle.
2 (MANNED) Crew
23.8 ft 7.26 meters O/A Length
9.4 ft 2.85 meters O/A Width
8.9 ft 2.7 meters O/A Height
34,172 lb 15,500 kg | 17.1 tons Weight
Armament & Ammunition Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the UR-77 (Meterorit) Mine Clearing Vehicle.
1 x Mine-clearing line charge in twin-tubed launcher over rear of hull.
AMMUNITION: 1 x Mine-clearing line charge.
Variants Notable series variants as part of the UR-77 (Meterorit) family line.
UR-77 "Meterorit" / "Meteorit" - Base Series Designation.
Operators Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the UR-77 (Meterorit). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.
Total Production: 550 Units Contractor(s): Kharkiv Tractor Plant - Soviet Union
[ Azerbaijan; Russia; Soviet Union; Syria; Ukraine (local and captured from Russia) ]
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Image from the Russian MoD; Public Release.
Similar Developments of similar form-and-function, or related, to the UR-77 (Meterorit) Mine Clearing Vehicle.
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